Construction contract awarded for Majura Parkway

Posted by Andrew Leigh MP5sc on September 14, 2012

Yesterday, Anthony Albanese, Katy Gallagher and I announced that Fulton Hogan won the contract to build the Majura Parkway. It's the largest road investment in the Australian Capital Territory and I am delighted the Gillard Government invested $144 million to match the ACT Government contribution in recognition of the necessity of the Parkway for families and businesses. It's something I'd been pushing for since before I entered Parliament.

With the awarding today of the construction contract to Fulton Hogan, work on the $288 million Majura Parkway project will soon commence. Tenders for the construction of Majura Parkway were called on 26 May 2012 and closed 31 July 2012.

“I’m pleased to announce Fulton Hogan as the successful company to undertake the construction of the Majura Parkway,” Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Anthony Albanese, said today. “This signifies the next step in this critical road infrastructure project which will deliver 11.5 kilometres of dual carriageway connecting the Federal Highway through to the Monaro Highway.

“Interest in the tender process for construction was well received by the industry with seven national infrastructure companies making submissions to undertake the work.

Fulton Hogan is a major civil and resources contractor that operates throughout Australasia. In Australia, the company has been involved in successfully building significant road infrastructure projects including the Princess Highway Upgrade, New South Wales ($242 million); and the Calder Freeway, Victoria ($156 million).

“The site supervision contract for the project has also been awarded to Professional Engineering Services who will oversee the construction project.

“Both the Australian and ACT Government regard safety as a critical element in the effective delivery of this project. As part of the prequalification requirements to undertake this work, tenderers were required to be accredited by the Australian Government Building and Construction OHS Accreditation Scheme to ensure robust management systems are in place to ensure the highest levels of safety during the works.

“Tenders were also evaluated on their previous safety record and their ability to demonstrate how safety would be managed during the implementation of these works.”

ACT Chief Minister and Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, Katy Gallagher, also welcomed the news of the successful tender for the construction of the Parkway.

“Due to start in late-2012 and completed by 2016, this multimillion dollar project is the single largest road infrastructure investment in the ACT,” the Chief Minister said. “The project is jointly funded by the Gillard and Gallagher Labor Governments, both contributing $144 million each.

“Preparation for the construction of Majura Parkway has already commenced with sections of pine plantation in the Majura Valley region being cleared to make way for the road’s alignment.

“This project is great news for the ACT economy, for local jobs and businesses.

“The completed Majura Parkway will also play a significant role in improving the main national and regional freight route and the ACT will also benefit from additional capacity on its road network.”

A simulated flyover video allowing Canberrans and other interested stakeholders to get a sneak peak of what the completed Parkway will look like is publicly available on the project web site.

The flyover video showcases the Majura Parkway design northbound toward the Federal Highway and southbound towards the Monaro Highway, highlighting key features of the road. A separate video also provides a view of the Molonglo River Bridge – a 200 metre long elevated bridge over Morsehead Drive and the Molonglo River.

Member for Fraser Andrew Leigh said the Parkway will take pressure off the streets in the Inner North, and provide a faster way for northside residents to connect to the Monaro Highway.

“The Parkway will reduce the amount of time Canberrans spend sitting in their cars, making us a more productive city and freeing up time for us to spend with family and friends,” Mr Leigh said.

For more information about the Majura Parkway project visit www.majuraparkway.act.gov.au